Not Just Words

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 7:21

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Devotional Thought For The Day
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These are frightening words to all pious believers in Jesus. The arrogant, impenitent, unbelieving ignore them, convinced that because they acknowledge Jesus as Lord, they will surely be saved.

With these words, Jesus calls out to our hearts. He calls us to reality, away from all superficiality of religion. Salvation and spiritual life is not a matter of words or religious performance. It has to do with the will of God!

What is God's will? "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." "He that believeth the Son has everlasting life." Such faith in Jesus our Savior produces genuine relationship with God, and new life. "If a man loves me, he will keep my word."

True discipleship is centered in and created by God's Word. It focuses on Jesus, and heeds His Word. "This do," He says of the Sacrament. "Continue in My Word," He instructs us. "Believe in Me," He urges. "Love one another as I have loved you."

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Prayer For The Day
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O Lord, too often I depend on "my" faithfulness to You, which is superficial and shallow. Then I ignore Your revealed will. Forgive me and renew a right spirit within me. Keep me from allowing anything to get in the way of Your gracious will! Keep me faithful to Your Word and Sacrament, and firm in genuine faith in You, that I too may enter the Kingdom of heaven. Amen.

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